In the ever-evolving landscape of video game development, Capcom is making strides by integrating generative AI to manage the overwhelming task of generating "hundreds of thousands" of ideas for in-game environments. As the costs associated with game development continue to soar, major publishers are turning to AI technologies to streamline processes and reduce expenses. A notable example is Call of Duty, which reportedly introduced an "AI-generated cosmetic" for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in late 2023, sparking debates among fans. Similarly, EA has declared AI to be "the very core" of its business strategy.

In a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan, Kazuki Abe, a technical director at Capcom known for his work on titles like Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal, shed light on the company's approach to AI integration. Abe pointed out that one of the most time-consuming aspects of game development is the creation of unique ideas for in-game objects, such as televisions, which require distinct designs, logos, and shapes. "Including unused ones, we ended up having to come up with hundreds of thousands of ideas," Abe stated (via Automaton).

To address this challenge, Abe developed a system where generative AI can analyze various game design documents and generate multiple proposals for objects. Each proposal includes necessary illustrations and text to effectively communicate the concept to the art director and artists. This approach not only accelerates the development process but also allows the AI to provide feedback on its outputs, thereby continuously refining the results.

Abe's innovative prototype leverages multiple AI models, including Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, and has garnered positive feedback from Capcom's internal development teams. The adoption of this AI-driven system is expected to "reduce costs significantly" while simultaneously enhancing the quality of the output.

Currently, Capcom's use of AI is primarily focused on this specific system, ensuring that other critical areas of game development such as ideation, gameplay mechanics, programming, and character design remain under human control. This strategic approach highlights Capcom's commitment to leveraging AI for efficiency while preserving the creative essence of game development.